The Beautiful Top Being Pursued Relentlessly [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 43

“My Prince! My Prince! I’ve brewed some chicken soup. Give it a sniff—isn’t the aroma amazing? Doesn’t it make your appetite surge? Don’t you want to eat three whole bowls of rice?”

It was time for lunch, and Jiang Yi found Xie Cheng in the dining hall. He saw the Prince staring blankly at the table full of delicacies, his chin resting in his hand, without having touched a single chopstick.

With eyes curved into crescents, Jiang Yi placed the small porcelain pot of chicken soup in front of Xie Cheng. “I asked the estate physician; he said it’s perfectly fine for the Prince to have some chicken soup to warm the body after a cold.”

“Too oily. I’m not drinking it.”

“You haven’t even looked at it. How do you know what it’s like inside?”

At those words, Xie Cheng shifted his gaze. Jiang Yi happened to lift the lid at that exact moment, allowing a cloud of fragrant steam to rise and gently brush against Xie Cheng’s face.

Jiang Yi used a long spoon to push aside the thin layer of oil on the surface, revealing a clear, bright broth beneath. Bright red goji berries and golden bamboo shoot strips floated within.

“This is brewed according to the flavors of my hometown. I added mountain yam, red dates, goji berries, and bamboo shoots. It’s savory without being gamey. You’ll definitely like it.”

“You certainly have a lot of tricks up your sleeve.”

The Prince is praising me.

Jiang Yi took it as a given. In his heart, his Prince had always been “sharp-tongued but soft-hearted.”

He switched to a smaller spoon, scooped up some clear broth, blew it cool, and held it to Xie Cheng’s lips. “Try a taste, My Prince.”

With the spoon so close, Xie Cheng lowered his head and took the soup directly from Jiang Yi’s hand.

The warm liquid slid down his throat, carrying the sweetness of the dates and the smoothness of the yam. It wasn’t oily at all.

It lacked heavy salt or soy sauce, relying entirely on the original flavors of the ingredients blended together. The taste was on the lighter side, which shouldn’t have suited his palate. yet the lingering fragrance made it top-tier.

Since it’s top-tier, having more won’t hurt.

Xie Cheng naturally accepted the bowl Jiang Yi had filled. He used the small spoon to mash the yam inside, mixing it into a thick soup porridge, and began taking small sips.

“Is it delicious?”

Jiang Yi rested his chin on his hands, watching him sip the soup. The corners of his mouth couldn’t stop twitching upward; his heart was overflowing with joy.

“My mother used to brew chicken soup like this. I loved drinking it whenever she made it. If there’s ever a chance.”

The words suddenly stopped, and Jiang Yi slumped onto the table.

Xie Cheng used a handkerchief to wipe the corner of his mouth, finishing the sentence calmly. “If there is a chance, I will go to Pingyang with you to taste this ‘unrivaled’ chicken soup of yours.”

Go to Pingyang with him?

Jiang Yi bolted upright, knocking his chair to the ground. Ignoring the clatter, he stared fixedly at Xie Cheng. “My Prince, are you telling the truth?”

“Mhm.”

“For real? Truly?”

“Mhm.”

Fearing Xie Cheng might go back on his word, Jiang Yi leaned across the table in a contorted posture until he was right in front of Xie Cheng’s face. “Really, really, really?”

“Really.”

Xie Cheng responded again. He met Jiang Yi’s eyes, which were swirling with wild joy, anticipation, and a hint of caution. They were like two gemstones that had been polished over and over sparkling bright.

Though the gems were sometimes dusty, they never lost their light.

They have great collection value.

Jiang Yi sniffled, refusing to let any embarrassing tears fall. “I can really go back?”

“Why couldn’t you?”

“My status is  complicated.”

Having said that, Jiang Yi began to mumble. “Originally, my fifth brother was supposed to come. But he was so tiny and did nothing but cry. My father couldn’t bear it  and I couldn’t bear it either. I thought, since I’m the eldest, I should step up. If they can be carefree, I’m happy too.”

“Pingyang has long had intentions to surrender.”

“Even if we surrender, I shouldn’t leave.”

If he left now, the Emperor of Dongli would surely become suspicious. At that time, his family would be in grave danger.

The Emperor might be merciful, but Jiang Yi couldn’t gamble his family’s lives on the whims of a monarch.

Xie Cheng’s hand holding the spoon paused slightly.

Usually, he acts like a fool, but at a time like this, he’s actually quite transparent. Yet, to call him wise. he just blurted all this out so carelessly.

He looked at Jiang Yi’s lowered head and listened to those “easy-going” but bitter mumbles. Finally, he reached out and gave the boy’s head a soft pat.

“My Prince?”

“With me here, you can leave.”

Jiang Yi patted his burning cheeks. “I’m happy for your trust, but I can’t let you take that responsibility.”

“Oh?”

“I only believe in the family I knew years ago. Times change; who knows what their character is like now?” Jiang Yi took Xie Cheng’s hand and rubbed his cheek against it. “My Prince is a good man. I hope the Prince is always well that you’re well for your entire life.”

Xie Cheng was silent for a while. “Idiot.”

But he’s obedient. And he will stay by my side forever.

Five days later, it was the auspicious day calculated by the Imperial Astronomers.

The main gates of the Zhao Prince Estate were thrown wide, every detail reflecting regulation and prestige. Lanterns and banners were strung along the paths, and delicate palace lanterns hung from the branches along the trails. Everything was meticulously arranged.

Yet, even with the sun high in the sky, Xie Cheng had not yet woken.

The bed curtains were tightly drawn. Xie Cheng lay on his side amidst soft cotton quilts, his silver-white hair spread across the pillows. His breathing was long and even, with no sign of waking up.

His hand naturally rested on a warm, soft “large tiger,” which he pulled closer into his embrace.

Shui Shi tiptoed in to check, trying to call out softly: “Is the Prince awake?”

Xie Cheng didn’t respond; his eyelashes didn’t even flicker.

“My Prince, it wouldn’t be good to be too late today.”

Just as the words left his mouth, the “large tiger” being used as a heater under the quilts moved restlessly.

Jiang Yi poked half of his head out from the thick covers. His dark brown, round eyes were blinking, perfectly awake.

He looked at the sleeping Xie Cheng beside him, then at Shui Shi’s blurry silhouette through the curtains. His eyes darted around, and mimicking a tiger, he let out a low, sleepy “Awoo” from his throat.

It wasn’t loud, but it was enough to intimidate the enemy.

Shui Shi vanished instantly. The door was pulled shut once more, leaving not a single crack.

“Where did this fool acting like a ‘fox borrowing the tiger’s might’ come from?”

Xie Cheng slowly woke up, his eyes half-lidded. His voice still carried the rasp of sleep.

He reached out his fingertips to touch a bare nape, but in the blink of an eye, it transformed into golden fur.

Jiang Yi shrunk his neck back at the pinch but wasn’t afraid. Instead, he leaned in and rubbed against Xie Cheng’s palm.

“Awoo, awoo.”

“When did you sneak up here?”

Xie Cheng stroked the smooth fur on his back, pressing himself against the warmth. “Wandering around all day. if anyone sees you, watch out or your hide will be stripped off.”

“Awoo, awoo.”

Jiang Yi’s voice softened. He used two cat-like paws to grab Xie Cheng’s hand, as if saying, “Please protect me, My Prince.”

Xie Cheng took the opportunity to scratch his chin. Seeing him squint in pleasure and wag his head, Xie Cheng reached under the pillow for something.

Before Jiang Yi could react, a cool collar was slipped around his neck. Three medallions dangled from it: one gold, one silver, and one jade.

“As I promised.”

Xie Cheng’s voice was as flat as ever, but his lowered gaze held a faint, hard-to-detect smile.

It was like early spring the full view of spring entering his cold, clear eyes.

“AWOO!”

Jiang Yi suddenly bounced up and roared. He rolled happily on the bed several times before using his big, soft paws to press against Xie Cheng’s chest.

Caught off guard by the pounce, Xie Cheng’s back sank into the quilts. He was naturally stunning, and now, his silver hair made his skin look even more translucent. The trace of morning languor in his eyes possessed a breathtaking beauty.

The tiger pinned on top of him stared at him fixedly.

Looking with his eyes and thinking with his heart the tiger thought that moonlight, snow, and morning dew couldn’t compare to his Prince in the slightest.

As if entranced, he slowly lowered his head. His warm nose touched the long hair spread on the pillow as he sniffed gently, his ears twitching.

“Get off.” Xie Cheng patted his head.

Truthfully, a large tiger’s face had long whiskers that poked his face, which was quite prickly.

He was never one to suffer in silence.

“Awoo woo” Jiang Yi wagged his tail to act spoiled.

“Let’s go see the commotion outside,” Xie Cheng sat up. “They’ve been banging drums and gongs since early morning without any restraint. If people didn’t know better, they’d think they couldn’t wait to marry their Prince off.”

“Roar roar.” Jiang Yi took a step back.

“What are you doing?” Xie Cheng frowned.

“Roar roar roar.”

Jiang Yi explained in a voice Xie Cheng couldn’t understand. He suddenly jumped off the bed, expertly pried open the lattice window, and leapt out right in front of Xie Cheng.

CRACK!

Under Xie Cheng’s gaze, a crack actually formed in the carved wooden window frame. The entire window pane shook under the strain before shattering and crashing to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

The culprit had already vanished.

In the West Wing of the Zhao Prince Estate, many noble ladies had gathered in the Cuijin Pavilion, built alongside the lake.

The pavilion was elegantly decorated. All the windows were open, letting in a cool breeze off the water. They stood in groups of twos and threes by the windows or the water’s edge, some whispering, some admiring the fish, and others quietly playing with silk fans.

When Auntie Chunhua’s figure appeared, the whispers died down. The noble ladies silently formed two rows.

“Um. excuse me, Miss.”

A male voice suddenly rang out in the quiet line.

The lady in the front, wearing a goose-yellow skirt, gasped and covered her face with her fan. She turned to see a man in moon-white robes quite handsome.

But… a man!

“You—who are you?”

Jiang Yi, who was straightening his sleeves, looked up and gave her a “dignified and generous” smile. He bowed. “My name is Jiang Yi. Miss, you were just standing in my spot.”

The lady found it absurd. “Please move aside, Miss. Do not take my spot.” Jiang Yi’s words were polite, but his posture and gaze were a bit fierce, clearly saying “this place is mine.”

“Do you know where you are?” The lady glanced at the others for support and found her courage. “Today is the Prince’s selection. Do not be unreasonable.”

Jiang Yi asked, “The Prince’s selection.  Who is being selected?”

“The noble ladies of the capital, of course.”

“You are a noble lady of the capital. I  can also be loosely called a noble gentleman of Pingyang.”

The lady: “?”

Jiang Yi continued to ramble. “If you can come, I can naturally come. If the Prince can choose you, he can naturally choose me.”

The lady was fuming. The more she looked at the pavilion’s plaque, the more she felt she shouldn’t have left the house today. She dropped her fan and stormed out, muttering as she left, “Madman.”

Everyone in this estate is a madman.

The others looked over, covering their faces with fans but peering through the gaps.

Wow.  So this is the protagonist of those novels, Who CENSORED with the Prince every night? Where is the Prince? Where is he watching his brave little ‘dainty’ husband?  

I woke up so early today; when is the estate going to hand out that box of gold pearls they promised?

Suddenly, someone shouted sternly, “How can a man be allowed to run wild here? Guards! Throw this bold person out!”

In an instant, several armed guards rushed in, surrounding Jiang Yi. The atmosphere became tense.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Put the swords away.”

Auntie Chunhua had given him permission to come.

But he didn’t dare drag her into this, nor did he dare mention the Empress who had instructed her. He could only dodge the blades frantically, jumping around like a monkey.

“I’m not carrying any weapons! Search me if you don’t believe me. fine, fine! You can tie my hands if you have to!”

Jiang Yi shouted breathlessly, hiding behind a tree. He poked his sweaty head out, his hair matted to his forehead, looking quite disheveled.

“You should recognize me! I’m not an assassin!” Jiang Yi looked at the lead guard. “I even recognize you! You’re Niu Dazhu who lives in Pear Blossom Lane!”

“I am Niu Dazhu who lives in Peach Blossom Lane.”

The guard looked grim. “Orders have been issued. Anyone trespassing in the West Wing will be punished by palace rules.”

Jiang Yi argued, “You trespassed too.”

“I did not.”

“Then I didn’t either.”

Niu Dazhu: 

Nearby, on the other side of the lake, Xie Cheng stood on a small boat near the shore, wrapped in his cloak. He asked Shui Shi beside him, “What is the commotion?”

Shui Shi answered cautiously, “I do not know.”

“Pull over there so I can see.”

Shui Shi complied. With a gentle push of the bamboo pole, the boat silently cut through the mirror-like water toward the noise on the opposite shore.

As they drew closer, Xie Cheng stood at the bow. His gaze quickly landed on the jumping, exceptionally conspicuous figure. His brow twitched. “So that’s where he ran off to.”

Jiang Yi, surrounded by guards, heard something and shouted with a red face: “I caught a glimpse of the Prince at the teahouse! His grace was unparalleled, and my heart longed for him. I wanted. I wanted.”

“I wanted to be the Prince’s personal guard!” Jiang Yi clenched his fists. “At that time, I thought of spending my life by his side and gaining his appreciation!”

Having finished, Jiang Yi took a heavy breath.

“Guard.” Xie Cheng repeated the word. His expression showed neither anger nor joy, but he turned away as if losing interest. “Shui Shi, go back.”

Shui Shi: “Huh?”

“Bu I’ve changed my mind now!”

Jiang Yi, behind the tree, crouched on the ground. He grabbed his sleeves nervously, his voice dropping as if talking to himself. “These words. I have to say them to the Prince in private.”

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